New inspector
The new museum, left, and below, MP Helen Grant cuts the ribbon with mayor Brian
Mortimer Opening day for museum
THE new-look Maidstone Mu- seum has officially re-opened, following an extensive multi- million pound makeover and the addition of a new east wing. Housing a collection of more
than 60,000 artefacts and speci- mens, the museum is now one of the largest in the South East. Clad with “gold” shingles which hint at the museum’s col- lection of treasures, the exten- sion offers 40% more display space and includes lifts, a new café and a Japanese gallery. Two easily accessible education rooms have also been created. The first, for visiting school parties, is fully equipped with the latest audio-visual equip- ment. The second, a beautiful Victorian library, has been re- furbished to provide a meeting room for life-long learners and a
baby changing facilities. Maidstone and theWeald MP
gallery space for the museum’s fascinating art collection There is also a new-look re- ception area, occupied by Maid- stone’s Visitor Information Centre and the museum shop. Improvements also include a new café, cloakroom, toilets and
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Helen Grant, who cut the offi- cial tape with Mayor of Maid- stone Cllr Brian Mortimer, said: “Our museum has always been a fantastic way to spend a day in our county town, but with new space for school groups, formal meetings, lunch and much else besides, there is now more reason than ever to come to Maidstone Museum. “I am proud to have such an inspiring institution in the midst ofMaidstone.” She congratulated manager Simon Lace and his team, as well as Maidstone Council, on theirwork to bring the project to fruition. Costing £4.2 million, the scheme received £2 million Heritage Lottery cash as well as private and public funding.
for town centre AN OFFICER with 25 years ex- perience has been appointed to head policing in Maidstone town centre. Insp Mark Hutcheon (pictured), has joined the team from the Sevenoaks district, where he was responsible for the police element of the community safety unit in the area. He replaces Insp Dave Cole-
man, who is now the Neigh- bourhood Inspector in Swanley. Insp Hutcheon hasworked as
a detective in the west of the county within the major en- quiry team, the public protec- tion unit and the intelligence unit. He was also acting detec- tive chief inspector in West Kent, heading up the local CID. He said: “Dave Coleman’s
work has been appreciated by those who work in the town centre and I will be looking to build on his success. “We have a great working re- lationship with retailers, the town centre management and Maidstone Borough Council and these are crucial to keeping the county town a safe place to visit.”
Melrose Close, Loose, Maidstone ME15 6BD
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To contact Downs Mail just phone 01622 630330 Town 3
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